Brazilian Surfer Shot Dead by Off-Duty Police Officer

01/21/2015 - 09h37

Professional surfer Ricardo dos Santos, 24, nicknamed Ricardinho, died on Tuesday (20), one day after being shot by a off-duty police officer outside his home.

The athlete, born in Santa Catarina, underwent four surgeries in an attempt to stop a haemorrhage, but he did not resist.

Ricardinho was shot three times in front of his family's house, at Guarda do Embaú beach, Palhoça (greater Florianopolis), after arguing with military policeman Luís Paulo Mota Brentano, 25.

According to chief officer Marcelo Arruda, family members say Brentano was using drugs and had parked his car in front of his property on water pipes where works were being done. The surfer complained and was shot.

In testimony, Brentano said the surfer threatened him with a knife and therefore he shot in self-defence. The police will perform a re-enactment of the crime. They said there is no lawyer representing him so far.

The offender will be charged on suspicion of voluntary manslaughter and will also face the same charge in military court. Brentano was transferred on Tuesday (20) to the Military Police headquarters in Joinville, located at 105 miles (170 km) from Florianopolis.

Public Prosecutor's Office informed that Brentano had previously been indicted on charges of abuse of authority and personal injury, but both cases were judged unfounded. The police officer has two other charges that are currently sub judice.

The surfer's family donated his corneas. According to Brazil's Department of Health, other organs could not be donated because the athlete suffered internal bleeding.
Ricardinho's friends posted on social media that his body will be cremated and the ashes thrown at Guarda do Embaú beach.

SURF COMMUNITY

Top Brazilian surfers regretted Ricardinho's death on social media. World champion Gabriel Medina posted a black screen on Instagram with the message: "Ricardinho, you did not deserve this."

Alejo Muniz called him "friend and brother" and criticized the violence: "Life is hardly valued. It cannot keep this way."

Adriano de Souza, known as Mineirinho, referred to Ricardinho as "our beloved and never forgotten" friend.

North American Kelly Slater, the world's biggest surfing champion ever, wrote on Instagram about the violence in Brazil:

"It unfortunately brings to light the number of murders yearly in Brazil, officially documented at over 50,000. Lack of education, poverty, and drugs don't make for a good mix and make life challenging in this country, one of the most beautiful and scariest places I've been". He called Ricardinho "a friend with whom he has learnt a lot."

President of Santa Catarina Surf Federation (Fecasurf) Frederick Lam said Ricardinho was one of the most remarkable surfers in the State. "He was an outstanding big wave rider", he said.

Ricardinho was born at Guarda do Embaú beach and surfed since he was seven. He first participated in the World Circuit in 2008, but he left the elite of the sport in 2013.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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	Steve Robertson - 27.ago.12/Efe
	Professional surfer Ricardo dos Santos, 24, died on Tuesday (20), one day after being shot by a off-duty police officer